TS-590S QST Product Review

PRODUCT REVIEWKenwood TS-590S HF and 6 Meter Transceiver

Reviewed by H. Ward Silver, NØAXQST Contributing Editor

The ads looked attractive — top class performance at a middle shelf price — so when asked about doing a review of the new Kenwood TS-590S transceiver, I enthusiastically accepted. I’m not really in the market for one of the “battlewagon” radios but I need a high quality receiver with DSP filtering, a good selection of the most useful operating features, ease of interfacing to PCs and accessories, and construction that will stand up to portable and mobile operating. At first glance, the TS-590’s specifications met those requirements. This review covers the salient characteristics of the radio with additional features summarized in Table 1. Performance measurements made by the ARRL Lab are shown in Table 2.

First ImpressionsThe radio is surprisingly compact — less than one foot across and deep and about four inches high, suitable for even small home stations and mobile operation. You can add it to your existing gear without overloading the shelves or desk. At 16 pounds, it is easy to pick up and carry to the car, to Field Day....